The 8463 (a.k.a. 8248 released in 1998) Technic forklift is quite different than its predecessors or successors in using a unique scissors mechanism to lift the forks. It has a Technic figure operator and a cockpit made from ribbed hoses, but has no mechanism for tilting the forks which are installed in an orientation which is slightly tilted back. This model is otherwise pretty simple and unremarkable, but is actually quite complex for so few parts. It fits the scale of the Technic figure very well.
This model was released in 1998 but for this year 2001, the packaging and instruction decoration were different, but the model is identical.
The rear wheels can be steered using an overhead "hand of god" control. The overhead control drives an axle connected to a pair of 12 tooth bevel gears. The second axle drives a rack via an 8 tooth pinion gear. The steering mechanism itself uses a rack gear and the new steering arms as shown in the computer image.
The steering knob is designed to look like a flashing light.
The forks can be raised and lowered in a totally unique way. This set borrows the scissors mechanism used in many competition sets this year. This type of mechanism allows a change in length of many times to occur very rapidly with minimal input. This model cleverly uses the fender as an input crank. As shown in the computer image, rotation of the crank drives the blue link which powers the scissors mechanism. The mechanism is anchored to the bottom and guided at the top to ensure vertical motion.
While this system works very well, it also results in a pretty low maximum fork height. It also has very poor mechanical advantage at the lower positions which means it really can't lift any load without risk of damaging parts.
This forklift is operated by a Technic figure with a double belt and an open coat. This particular Technic figure is among the most common, appearing in a total of 6 sets.
This set uses 4 of the 43.2x28 small balloon tires and wheels.
By Technicopedia